Navy NEC · Aviation
W16A Air Intercept Controller
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Overview
An Air Intercept Controller controls strike fighter aircraft during air to air engagements. The controller directs those aircraft in the successful prosecution of the engagements.
Minimum clearance: TS/SCI
Core Skills
- air intercept control
- radar track management
- fighter aircraft direction
- air defense operations
- tactical voice communications
- airspace management
- threat identification
- rules of engagement
- real time decision making
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Civilian Career Paths
- Air Traffic Control
- Aviation Management
- Emergency Management
- Intelligence Analysis
Training & Development
Getting Started
- FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
- FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
Career Growth
- FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Certification
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
What the Work Involves
- Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hazardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
- Issue landing and take-off authorizations or instructions.
- Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
- Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
- Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
Related Occupations
- Commercial Pilots
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Similar Specialties
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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